Gerontology Certificate
Everyone at every point in life needs either care or support. Caring for one another, to many, is what makes us human. Professional care for the elderly is a growing profession that demands qualified individuals with the know-how and passion to support the needs of the elderly.
The (12 credit) gerontology certificate from Parkside shows potential employers that you have the educational experience necessary to relate to the needs of our aging population and that you are motivated and prepared to work in this field.
A program that includes internships and in-field experience will introduce students to professional career opportunities.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Social Gerontology | SOCA 326 | 3 credits
Examines social relations, social organization and social systems through the study of process, structure, and function. (junior standing)
Introduction to Sociology | SOCA 101 | 3 credits
Examines social relations, social organization and social systems through the study of process, structure, and function.
Students must achieve a 2.5 GPA or better in this certificate to receive the certificate.
Select two elective courses from the selection below (6 credits)
Biology of Aging | BIOS 109 | 3 credits
Introduces the process of human aging. Explains fundamental principles of human physiology and how it relates to successful aging. Includes student team presentations.
Psychology of Aging | PSYC 241 | 3 credits
Survey of research and theory on the human aging process including physical, cognitive, and social sciences.
Death and Dying | SOCA 319 | 3 credits
Investigates patterns of behavior and beliefs about death, dying, and bereavement. Examines medical, legal, and ethical issues.
Students must achieve a 2.5 GPA or better in this certificate to receive the certificate.
A praticum is required for this certificate. (3 credits)
Internship in Sociology* | SOCA 492 | 3 credits
Provides opportunity for community work experience with emphasis on job preparation skills, i.e., resume writing, networking, interviewing.
*Students who already have experience in the field of gerontology or working with the aging population may receive credit for an internship through written agreement with a faculty member of this program.
Students must achieve a 2.5 GPA or better in this certificate to receive the certificate.
Program Contact Info
Laura Khoury | 262-595-2590 | khoury@uwp.edu
Faculty Highlights
Mita Banerjee
Associate Professor and Chair. Faculty Director – Sociology Online Degree Program & The Center for International Studies
Dr. Mita Banerjee is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where she balances academic leadership with a deep commitment to teaching and transformative research. In addition to her faculty role, she serves as the Director of the Sociology Online Degree Program and the International Studies Program, driving institutional efforts to expand educational access and global engagement.
Academic Focus & Teaching
Dr. Banerjee’s pedagogical expertise lies at the intersection of quantitative analysis and social inequality. She instructs students in:
Social Inequality: Specialized courses focusing on income, education, and health disparities.
Methodology: Core training in Statistics and Research Methods, equipping the next generation of sociologists with essential analytical tools.
Research Interests
Her research portfolio is defined by two primary pillars of inquiry:
Sociology of Education: Dr. Banerjee investigates the systemic barriers that hinder underserved and disadvantaged students from reaching their full potential in higher education. Her work aims to identify actionable improvements to enhance educational outcomes and foster equity within the academy.
Sustainability & Smart Cities: Deeply committed to environmental and urban resilience, she explores the relationship between citizen engagement and technological advancement. Her research examines how community readiness can be improved to effectively embrace and adopt smart city technologies.
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